Why PCB’s radical change is unlikely to help them salvage pride in England

In a knee‑jerk reaction of unprecedented proportion, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has released half the members of their Test squad currently in England for a three‑match series. The move has drawn scathing criticism from some of the most respected voices in international cricket.

While Shahid Afridi struggled to find “logic and reasoning” behind the culling, former England captain Kevin Pietersen found the decision barely believable.

PCB’s director of high performance, Aaqib Javed, has defended the shake‑up, arguing that continued underperformance on tour forces the management’s hand. However, irrespective of Aaqib’s justification, several elements of the overhaul would struggle to hold ground if subjected to rigorous scrutiny.

Saim Ayub’s call-up

Saim Ayub’s inclusion in the Test side has raised significant eyebrows. The 24‑year‑old last played a Test in January 2025 against South Africa and has featured in only two first‑class matches since 2023. He was representing Jamaica Kingsmen in CPL 2026 when he received the call‑up.

Ayub’s selection appears untenable if opened to debate, as it is highly improbable for him to hit the ground running in the third Test in Birmingham without recent red‑ball exposure.

Ali Usman’s ouster

Ali Usman’s axing feels like a punch to the gut, a blow felt across Pakistan’s domestic circuit. The slow left‑arm orthodox bowler claimed figures of 6/139 at Queen’s Park Oval in the second Test of Pakistan’s recent Caribbean tour, helping snap their worst overseas losing streak (eight matches).

He followed it with his maiden five‑wicket haul at Headingley in the series opener against England, becoming the first overseas spinner to take a five‑for at the venue since 1972.

He was also the leading wicket‑taker in the Quaid‑e‑Azam Trophy 2025/26, with 48 wickets in eight matches at 21.10, including six five‑wicket hauls.

Sarfaraz Ahmed’s fleeting tenure

Sarfaraz Ahmed remains the last Pakistan captain to win an ICC trophy. He also guided Pakistan to the U19 Men’s Asia Cup title, hammering India by 191 runs in Dubai.

Since taking charge of the senior men’s red‑ball side, Pakistan lost 2‑0 in Bangladesh, drew 1‑1 in the Caribbean, and have lost two Tests in England. All three assignments were overseas tours, and Sarfaraz was not even allowed to complete the England series or benefit from home conditions.

The PCB has already strained relationships with esteemed coaches such as Gary Kirsten and Jason Gillespie, and their treatment of Sarfaraz will only deter top‑tier coaches from considering Pakistan the next time a vacancy arises.